The Generation of Unbelief

The Danger of Unbelief, Part One

The Psalmist’s words which serve as our text are those spoken by the generation that came out of Egypt en route to the Promised Land only to find themselves wandering aimlessly for 40 years in the wilderness. This question was not asked in faith but in unbelief, as so many questions asked today by millions of Christians are asked the same way. The root of all unbelief is a hardened heart because of sin. Sin is certainly the problem and the cross the remedy; it is faith in CHRIST and HIM CRUCIFIED, however, which unlocks that remedy! We should regard the solemn warnings in the Old Testament against sin, and against the danger of apostasy, as addressed by the Holy Spirit to “us” today. In fact, these warnings are as applicable to us as they were to those to whom they were at first addressed; and we need all the influence of such appeals, to keep us from apostasy, as much as they did.

By Chris McDonald

TEXT: Ps 78:19-20- Yea, they spake against God; they said, can God Furnish a Table in the Wilderness? Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?

Hebrews 3:7-13 - Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: [9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. [10] Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. [11] So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) [12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. [13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

This is the fourth and final installment of a study of the failures of Israel in the wilderness. We have but scratched the surface in this series and will probably visit more of this later as we get the Mind of God. As we lay the foundation for this fourth installment, let the reader get a foundational thought in their heart and mind – GOD WAS OFFENDED AT THE ACTIONS OF ISRAEL AND HER UNBELIEF AND AS A RESULT JUDGED THAT GENERATION OF UNBELIEF BY LITERALLY KILLING THEM OFF BEFORE BRINGING ISRAEL INTO HER PROMISED LAND!

Israel was led astray with respect to the heart, the seat of one’s personal character and of one’s moral and Spiritual Life. The nation as a whole, with very very few exceptions, knew God’s acts, but not His ways, therefore, registered unbelief DESPITE the acts and miracles! This shows us that the “acts” of God, though important and needed at times, are not as nearly important as the “ways of God” which in the end always produce TRUE FAITH. This does not mean we don’t believe in miracles or believe those “ceased,” in the dateless past of the apostles. Those who believe such are very much deceived, or worse. Saving faith in Christ, and I mean TRUE saving faith, causes us always to BELIEVE God, not question or doubt Him! But what we seek to bring to you today goes beyond just faith in miracles or faith in answered prayer. It's a state of the heart that this writer is very concerned grips millions of so-called Christians today who profess Christ but have never truly believed on Him! Those in such state are in serious eternal jeopardy unless they repent!

Wherefore I Was Grieved……

God was offended with that particular generation in the wilderness that came out of Egypt, which because of their unbelief, died in the wilderness. The Holy Ghost used the term "I was GRIEVED," to describe His displeasure. “Grieved” in the Greek is “parosochthizo,” and means, “to be angry or displeased with.” It also means, “to loathe, be disgusted, to spew out, to exclude, reject, abhor, repudiate.” Consequently one can see how strong this thing actually was. God, as stated, was offended at the actions of Israel. For 40 years, God patiently pleaded with Israel, and with miracles, signs, and wonders. He again, and also with miracles, pleaded with Israel for a like period from the beginning of the Ministry of Christ, which was in about A. D. 30 until the time of the Judgment in A. D. 70, when their nation was destroyed.

During both periods the nation hardened its heart, and the rejecters all perished.

The Hebrew actually says “this generation.” Jesus used the same wording concerning the rejection of His Ministry, by saying, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled”( Mat.24: 34). As stated, both generations, the generation that came out of Egypt, and the generation during the time of Christ, perished. As well, the generation of the End-times, of which Jesus spoke, will likewise perish. We must not miss the reference here to the anger of God. The Bible is clear that God is not impassive or indifferent in the face of human sin.

He is a “consuming fire,” because His Holiness demands such( Heb.12: 29), and His inevitable reaction to sin is wrath( Rom.1: 18). Bringing the Reader up to the present time, God looks down from Heaven today and is constantly grieved by the sins of this world, and often grieved by the failure of the Church to obey His Word and the Great Commission. “Grieved” also signifies “to be burdened or heavy laden with.” That generation in the wilderness had become a burden to God. Consequently, the Old Testament tells us that God excluded them from the inheritance, even though He endured them for forty years, until their children were old enough to enter the Promised Land.

As we talked about in great detail in two full journals, how often, like Israel, because of circumstances, we murmur and complain? We walk by sight and not by Faith, and it manifests within us an evil heart of unbelief. And we are called to do the opposite – to walk by FAITH and not SIGHT!

Had Israel trusted in God and turned to Him, spreading their need before Him, He would have supplied it abundantly. Difficulties, trials, and tests come upon all of us and they reveal the state of our hearts, and they are meant to do just that. When everything is smooth sailing, it is easy to praise the Lord. But what really proves our metal so to speak, is our reaction during times of difficulties. What do we then do? How do we react? As someone has well said, it’s not so much our actions that show what we are, but rather our “reactions,” which speak of our response to adverse circumstances. Do we get angry and blame God? Or do we blame others? The following should always be noted:

1. God is in control of all things. This means, that every single thing that comes our way, has been allowed by God, Who is monitoring the situation very closely. In other words, there are no accidents with God.
2. Whatever adversity the Lord allows, He means it for our good, and never for our harm. We must understand that, thereby, never blaming God.
3. We should allow the test to bring us closer to God, leaning on Him ever more, learning to trust Him, which is the reason for the test.

As well, we must understand that disobedience causes God to allow many more adverse circumstances to come upon us; nevertheless, irrespective as to how difficult those circumstances might be, still, it is all for our good, and we must ever understand it in that capacity. And yet at the same time, even perfect obedience will not forestall all difficulties. Even as we’ve already stated, Paul and Silas certainly were perfectly obedient, but yet, adverse circumstances, and tremendously adverse at that, were allowed to come upon them. Irrespective, the Lord always has in mind, our betterment, and is ever working toward that goal. We must understand that, thereby never blaming Him, but always knowing that everything will ultimately work out to our good, providing we love the Lord, and are the called according to His purpose( Rom.8: 28).

When the storm breaks, as sooner or later it will, it is not so much that we fail under it, as it is that our habitual lack of leaning upon God, and daily depending upon Him, are made evident. Circumstances do not change us: they expose us.

Israel Erred In Their Hearts; Millions Do So Still Today

The phrase, “They do always err in their heart,” proclaims the seat of obedience or disobedience — in this case, disobedience. The “heart” does not refer here to the physical organ, but rather the seat of one’s personal character and moral life. The heart of man is his very person: his spiritual core. The conscious awareness each of us has that makes us persons and the spiritual dimension of responsiveness or unresponsiveness to God are both expressed by the word “heart.” This term occurs in 158 New Testament Passages. “Heart” denotes the “inner man,” the essence of personality; being the seat and center of all life. The spiritual term of nearest equivalence to the old English word “heart,” possibly is that of “ego,” which represents the “I, self, person.” It is that term which is formalized, as a logical necessity, to denote that “center” to which all of a person’s spiritual activities and characteristics refer. The “heart of man” represents, then, that innermost center which is of ultimate importance; that which is basic, central, substantive, and of profound essence. There is a consistency of treatment with all Biblical uses of “heart.”

The term invariably refers to that which is central. Even when the word is used as a figure of speech, expressive of things and situations apart from mankind, it denotes central location, center, or being in the midst. “Your borders are in the heart of the seas”( Ezek.27: 4); “in the heart of the sea”( Ps.46: 2); “in the heart of the earth”( Mat.12: 40). The word is employed to express certain important dimensions of man and God’s concern and dealings with man.

In Scripture the heart is used to denote several things that are important to this study:

1. The “inner man,” the “hidden person of the heart” (I Pet.3: 4), the central essence of man, with which God is primarily concerned. It is that portion or essence of man on which God the Lord looks, searches, and tries (I Sam.16: 7; Prov.10: 8; Jer.11: 20; 17: 10; 20: 12). It is the center and source of belief and Faith (Lk.24: 25; Rom.10: 10).
2. That central agency and facility within man whereby he imagines, intends, purposes, thinks, and understands (Ezek.13: 2). In fact, the “heart” is where the will is exercised (Eph.6: 6). It is there where ponderings are made (Lk.2:19), and purposes are formed (Prov.20: 5; Acts11: 23). Imaginations originate there, along with intents and purposes (Prov.6: 18; Eccl.10: 2; Heb.4: 12).
3. Particular qualities of a man’s character originate there.

As such a man may be seen to be or possess a “heart” that is:

A. Double (I Chron.12: 33).

B. Honest and good (Lk.8: 15).

C. Largeness of heart (I Ki.4: 29).

D. Perfect (mature) (I Ki.8: 61; 11: 4; II Chron.16: 9; 25:2; Ps.101: 2).

E. Pure, pureness (Ps.24: 4; Prov.22: 11; Mat.5: 8; I Tim.1: 5; II Tim.2: 22; I Pet.2: 22).

F. True (Heb.10: 22).

G. Understanding (Job 28: 36).

H. Wise (Job 9: 4).

4. That which is descriptive of a man’s attitude as depicted in his actions and behavior:

A. Despiteful, despising (II Sam.6: 16; Ezek.25: 15).

B. Dull (Acts 28: 27).

C. False (Hos.10: 2).

D. Gross (Ps.119: 70).

E. Hard (Mk.3: 5; 16: 14; Rom.2: 5).

F. Meek and lowly (Jesus, as self- described, Mat.11:29- 30).

G. Searching (Judg.5:15- 16).

H. Stony (Ezek.11: 19; 36: 26).

I. Subtle (Prov.7: 10).

J. Whorish (Ezek.6: 9).

K. Willing (Ex.35: 5).

L. Wise (Prov.10: 8; 11: 29).

5. That center, essence, and inner substance of man which needs to be reconciled to God, redeemed: being righted with God means that it now may be reconciled to others. As such, the “heart” is described as being:

A. Deceitful and desperately wicked (Prov.12: 20; Isa.44: 20; Jer.17: 9).

B. Froward and proud (Ps.101:4- 5).

C. In need of a new creation and cleansing by God (Ps.51: 10).

D. In need of a new heart so as to know the Lord (Jer.24: 7).

E. Set to do evil (Eccl.8: 11; 9: 3).

F. Stony, needing removal and a new heart given in its stead (Ezek.11: 19; 18: 31; 36: 26).

G. Stubborn and rebellious (Jer.5: 23).

H. Turned by the Lord to others, otherwise to be smitten with a curse (Mal.4: 6).

I. Wicked (Ps.58: 2).

6. The core and seat of emotions; the center of emotional reaction, feeling, and sensitivity. As such, the“heart” may experience or know what it is to be:

A. Astonished (Deut.28: 28).

B. Broken (Ps.34: 18; 69: 20; 147: 3; Isa.61: 1).

C. Bitter (Ezek.27: 31).

D. Discouraged (Num.32:7- 9).

E. Failing (I Sam.17: 32).

F. Fearful (Isa.21: 4; 35: 4).

G. Glad (Deut.28: 47; Ps.104: 15; Prov.24: 17; 27: 11).

H. Greedy (I Sam.25: 31; Ps.73: 21).

I. Heavy (Prov.12: 25; 25: 20; 31: 6; Mat.26: 37).

J. Joyful (Job29: 13; Eccl.2: 10).

K. Merry (I Sam.25: 36; I Ki.21: 7; Prov.15: 13, 15; 17: 22).

Because of Israel’s darkened HEART, they did not KNOW the ways of God.

The Holy Spirit declared that Israel, “have not known My Ways,” which revealed a total neglect of Jehovah on the part of those who refused to believe. The knowledge they lacked was experiential knowledge which could only be acquired through experience with the Ways and Character of God, which pertained to relationship with Him. In other words, relationship is never automatic, but comes about as one works at the situation. In other words, it is impossible for a husband and wife to have a proper relationship, unless they work at it. It is the same with Believers as it regards the Lord. Regarding these Israelites, they showed constancy of error, “always going astray.” Their inner state was not right with God. They did not know the Ways of God; therefore, they could not walk in them.

However, it must be fully understood that their ignorance was culpable, not innocent. They were not blamed simply for not knowing, but for not knowing things they ought to have known and acted on. They did not take the trouble to learn. This means, that to neglect opportunity is a serious thing. Even though the Lord dealt with them constantly, showing them what He wanted and didn’t want, still, the warnings and discipline were fruitless. They gained no knowledge of His Ways, because they had no interest in His Ways. It is a serious mistake to think that God will go on offering His Grace despite all our rejections. We are mistaken if we believe that we can yield to God just when we please. There can come a day when it will be too late. To err in the heart is to err in the mind, the will, and the real personality of the person. In all, they did not know, learn, or experience the Ways of God in such a way as to change them inwardly. Israel was prophetically rejecting the Cross in doing this!

One would say, “Well they didn’t know about the Cross!” True, but even though the Israelites in the wilderness would have had no knowledge of the Cross, at least as we understand such, still, they knew that their deliverance from Egypt was by the principle of the slain lamb( Ex. 12). As well, some 50 days after their leaving Egypt, they were given the Law on Mount Sinai. The very principle of the Law consisted of the Sacrificial system, which was its very core. So, according to that, they should have known that their deliverance had been by virtue of the slain lamb, and would continue to be by virtue of the slain lamb. So in essence, they knew and understood the Cross, at least as far as it was possible then for it to be understood.

Consequently, the entire principle of their obedience or disobedience, rested upon their knowledge of the Sacrifices, and acting upon that principle by Faith. However, they didn’t understand this principle, simply because they had no interest in understanding it. Therefore, they went to their doom! It is the same presently. The modern Christian has little relationship with Christ, simply because he little understands the meaning of the Cross. Furthermore, in most cases it is not ignorance because of lack of knowledge, but rather, lack of concern. In other words, the Message of the Cross, which is the very core of Christianity, holds no interest for most Christians; therefore, most Christians have little relationship with the Lord!

But friend, you and I CAN know the WAYS OF GOD! We can KNOW HIM! He bids us “come,” into His presence on a basis that goes beyond “daily,” or by the “hour.” He bids us come and STAY there as LONG as we want to. He never tires of us being there! Oh, Praise the Lord! He never gets impatient and bids us “leave;” His invitation is Always to “COME!” How can we know the ways of God?

First of all, the Believer must understand his place and position in Christ, which can only be understood and acted upon, by a proper understanding of the Cross. If that understanding is properly obtained, then everything else can be built upon that proper foundation. Otherwise, no proper results can be brought about. The “Ways of the Lord,” are constituted in His Word. His Word is constituted in the Cross, for that’s the story of the Word. So, to understand God’s Ways, one must understand the Cross. And when we understand the Cross, we will understand His Word! Everything centers on Christ and Him Crucified! To say it another way, the story of redemption centers on a LAMB and a Bride! The Lamb came to die so that He may purchase a Bride with His Blood! One day, there will be a marriage supper when we will meet the Lamb in ALL HIS GLORY!

Israel’s unbelief did not bring blessing; it brought WRATH!

There are three main points to this portion of the passage we are studying here in this journal:

1. God threatens with an oath.
2. He ultimately grew angry at their rebellion. Let the Reader understand, that under Grace, His wrath is even more pronounced.
3. The word “rest” here refers to Canaan, but in totality, it refers to Salvation.

Number one, the phrase, “So I swear in My wrath,” speaks of the OATH God swore in His wrath and is figurative, and denotes a strong affirmation, or a settled and determined purpose. An oath with us implies the strongest affirmation, or the expression of the most settled and determined purpose of mind. The meaning here is, that so perverse and obstinate had Israel become, that God solemnly resolved that they should never enter into the land of Canaan. And so they didn’t! Let not the Reader think, that such situations happened only in Old Testament Times, and have no bearing on the present. To be sure, the Holy Spirit through Paul is bringing it over into New Testament Times, which includes the present, and because this is a principle which is apropos for all time. Believers can make God angry, by denying His Ways, which is the Cross of Christ, and then incur His wrath.

I realize, that such action is denied behind most modern pulpits; however, that in no way negates the actual facts of what is presently taking place. The Reader must understand that sin must incur the Wrath of God. There is no alternative, considering the destructive power of this monster. And if the Reader doesn’t understand the significance of what has just been said, then the Reader needs to change Churches. Sin is so awful in fact, that even though God could speak worlds, and in fact, the entirety of creation into existence, He for all His power, could not speak Redemption into existence. So, the Wrath of God must always be aroused by sin, and poured out upon sin. In fact, the Scripture plainly says: “For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness” (Rom.1:18).

The only thing that assuages that Wrath is the Sacrifice of Christ, which is the only solution for sin. And when we say that the Sacrifice of Christ is the only solution for sin, we mean that it is the only solution. So, if men reject that Solution, which incidentally has been brought about at such great price, and a price which God Himself paid, then it should be understandable as to why such wrath is aroused. Everything boils down to sin which is rebellion against God, and the Solution which is the Sacrifice of Christ. For those who accept the Sacrifice of Christ, God’s anger is appeased; otherwise, it is not appeased at all, but rather grows more intense! Those who believe in this Sacrifice find REST for their souls.

The phrase,“ They shall not enter into My rest,” refers here to a particular“ rest,” which pertained to the land of Canaan, but which was undoubtedly regarded as emblematic of the“ rest” which is afforded by Salvation. Into that rest God solemnly said they should never enter. All the means of reclaiming them had failed. God had warned and entreated them; He had caused His Mercies to pass before them, and had even visited them with judgments, all in vain; and He now declares, that because of all their rebellion, they should be excluded from the Promised Land. In reading all of this, we are to understand it in a manner consistent with the Character of God, and we are not to suppose that He is affected with the same emotions which agitate the bosoms of men. As previously stated, the anger of God is not like the anger of men. In fact, even though the same words may be used, nothing about God is like men. Everything He does is noble, righteous, holy, and true.

Nothing about man is noble, holy, righteous, and true! Most every emotion we have as human beings has been perverted by the Fall, which means that nothing quite works right. THE MEANING OF “REST” AS A WORD Many different Hebrew words express various aspects of what the Old Testament suggests by “rest.” Three different terms are commonly translated “rest” and express most of these meanings. They are “sabat,” “nuah,” and “saqat.”

The word “sabat” implies ceasing or coming to an end of activity. Thus, Moses records that God rested when His work of creation was completed (Gen.2:2- 3). The impression of peaceful repose is present only in the 13 instances where this verb is used in a Sabbath context. “Nuah” suggests being settled down, an absence of movement. It implies security and a sense of inner ease. In the Old Testament, “nuah” speaks of a spiritual release from pressures and tensions (as in Isa.28: 12). It is closely associated with the victorious conclusion of conflicts (Josh.21: 44; II Chron.15: 15).

The victors enjoy peace as the external threat is removed. It is very clear from the Old Testament uses of this word that God Alone is able to provide such rest (Ex.33: 14; Deut.12: 10; Josh.22: 4).

The Warning to the Modern Church

Hebrews 3:12-13 - Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. [13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

The Holy Spirit through Paul warns us today not to harden our heart as Israel of old in departing from the Living God! The same "evil heart of unbelief," that existed in the wilderness exists today! So-called preachers of the gospel who get up and proclaim the work of God doesn't take place today like it did in the past are preachers who are preaching unbelief! Our next few journals are going to deal with the question of willful ignorance and how we as Christians claim ignorance many times when in fact the reason we don't trust God or embrace certain truths is not because we don't know - it's because we WILLFULLY don't know! There is a difference. The first is usually from a humble, seeking person who is wanting to believe God. The second attitude is from a person bound with religious spirits, who has hardened their hearts and spews out unbelief in place of faith! The JUST shall live by FAITH. The Just shall PREACH by FAITH! The just shall walk by FAITH! We don't walk by sight, but by FAITH!!

As this warning is to Christians, it tells us three things about the believer:

1. Consequently, it is possible for a Christian to become hardened and lose their way.

2. As Israel provoked God in the wilderness, Christians can likewise provoke God by unbelief.

3. Temptation” as it is used here means that Israel put God to the test in the wilderness.

The Holy Spirit proclaims in this passage that as Israel hardened their hearts against God in the wilderness, it is likewise possible for modern Christians to do the same! Let the reader be warned and let this writer state it in no uncertain terms. It is not God's will that ANY fall away from the faith, but because we are free moral agents, even as believers, we can CHOOSE to stop believing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In fact, Paul was warning the Jews who had in fact accepted Christ but fell back into legalistic bondage.

The source of a hardened heart is simply rebellion against God and His Ways. Believers can rebel even after they have been born again! The hardening of one's heart is one of the most serious concepts associated with sin as we see in the provocation in the wilderness. Israel is a warning to all of us today to hold fast the profession we have made in Christ!

Israel had a unique place in God's plan, and still does, and as though God as the superior in the relationship had been absolutely faithful to His Covenant obligations, Israel again and again proved unfaithful. She worshiped other gods, violated the Laws and Statutes that the Lord established, and stubbornly refused to acknowledge any fault. How does God react to such rebellion? He offers His people two alternatives, whether Israel of old or Christians at present— turn to Him for forgiveness and Salvation, or persist in rebellion and be eternally lost.

What protects the Believer presently from rebellious attitudes and actions? According to this Book of Hebrews which we are presently studying, we are to “fix our eyes on Jesus”( Heb.12: 2), which means to keep our Faith in the Cross, keep our hearts open to God, and do our very best to obey His Will as revealed in Scripture, which we can only do by the power and help of the Holy Spirit. Once again, notice how this quotation from the Psalm is introduced, “As the Holy Spirit saith.” This means that it is not merely the word of David or some other unknown author, but it is the word of the Holy Spirit Himself warning those who profess the Name of the Lord against hardening their hearts and walking in disobedience. The Holy Spirit gives a warning through Paul to all Believers. Notice, He uses the word“ Brethren,” proving that He is speaking to Christians.

Unbelief is the cause, and to be more particular, it is unbelief in the Finished Work of Christ which causes the problem. All and without exception come to Christ because they “will” to do so, and if they “will” to do so, they can depart the same way( Rev.22: 17)

Rev. 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Israel was brought out of Egypt with the fullest assurance of blessing, prosperity, and eternal rest; however, by their sin and unbelief they came short of the promised blessings, fell in the wilderness, and were cut off from God. In effect, God didn’t do this thing to them, they did it to themselves. Paul is here stating plainly, that Christians, in other words, those who are Born- Again and thereby saved, can also return to an evil heart of unbelief, depart from the Living God, be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, be cut off by God, and be finally lost. In fact, this is what the entirety of the Book of Hebrews is all about, and especially these Third and Fourth Chapters. The warning was given to the Jewish Christians of Paul’s day, which was brought over from the warning given concerning Israel of old, and it is intended for us presently as well! He declares through the power of the HOLY GHOST - "TAKE HEED!"

Many in the Church are very bad about segmenting the Word of God into particular time frames, claiming that such does not apply to us now. While of course, that is true about things which happened in certain dispensations; however, even the warnings given in those particular dispensations, even as proven by Paul’s statements, are always applicable to all.

In other words, the God Who said “Thou shall not steal,” 3,600 years ago, is still saying, “Thou shall not steal” today! In fact, the overall Plan of God doesn’t change, even as it cannot change. Unfortunately, there are untold millions of people who call themselves “Christians,” who are not living for God, and in fact, are making no pretense at living for God, with their lives being a constant practice of sin, who have been told the lie of unconditional eternal security, and because of believing that lie, will be eternally lost. We are eternally secure IN CHRIST as long as we hold fast that security THROUGH FAITH! We can depart from that with a heart of unbelief hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, riches and the loss of the fear of God.

Worse yet, are those who are truly saved, and truly living for God, but yet believe this lie, pumping it out, which is also causing untold numbers to be lost! UNBELIEF is not of a passive or latent state, but an active, pernicious condition of the hearts of millions today! The Greek order of words is “ a heart evil with reference to unbelief.” The particular word for “evil” here is not “kakos,” which is normally used, but rather “poneros,” which refers to evil in active opposition to the good. This word is much stronger than “kakos,” which means “evil in the abstract.” It means that the “kakos man” may be content to perish in his own corruption, but the “poneros man” is not content unless he is corrupting others as well, and dragging them down into the same destruction with himself( Wuest). The situation had come to the place with some of these so-called Christian Jews, that they were actually taking an active opposition against Christ, which attitude Paul was afraid would result in a deliberate and final rejection of the entirety of the New Covenant i.e. “the New Testament,” the message of the Cross.

We must be careful to discriminate here between a heart in which unbelief is present, and an unbelieving heart. The first may be true of a Christian, but if that Christian actually comes to the place of the second (the unbelieving heart), then the Christian has completely lost his way and is no longer saved. In other words, he is no longer a Believer, but rather an unbeliever. This refers to a heart solely and entirely controlled by unbelief, in which there is no Faith whatsoever. However, that must be defined: To be sure everyone has Faith, even the unbeliever. They just don’t have Faith in the right object. The individual, who comes to the place described here by Paul, is the Christian who no longer believes in the Cross of Christ as the answer to the sin of man, but has diverted his Faith elsewhere. In other words, he is trusting in something else to save his soul, which is the same sin committed by Cain, and untold billions of others since. When Paul said, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the Faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” II Cor.13: 5), this is what the Apostle was speaking about! This brings us down to a personal introspection, which it is intended to do. We must look at our own hearts, our own wills; we must see if our hearts are evil. The “unbelief” spoken of here, is the type that will damn one’s soul. Therefore, please understand, that we are not speaking here of unbelief as it comes to healing, the Lord answering prayer, etc.; we are speaking of the type of unbelief that registers itself in a vote of no confidence regarding the Cross of Christ. We all have had unbelief in our hearts at one time or the other. But those who have anchored their faith in Christ and what He did for us at the Cross know where to run and find the answer in our time of need!

And once again I want to emphasize the following fact: One cannot trust the Cross and other things at the same time. This means that the modern Church cannot place its Faith and confidence in humanistic psychology, and at the same time claim to be trusting the Cross. One or the other must go, as one or the other will go! The Israelites were damned in unbelief by resisting the voice of the Holy Spirit, which is always the case with a denial or rejection of the Cross. The Reader needs to grasp the weight of this of which we here speak. For a Christian to not properly understand the Cross of Christ is the most serious ignorance which one could ever begin to entertain. Anything about the Word of God is of extreme importance; however, the Cross of Christ is the very heart of Redemption. In comparing it with the physical body, it is the same as the physical heart. While one may have problems with his foot or hand, etc., which of course will be detrimental; however, if one has problems with his heart, it can kill him, as should be obvious. It is the same with the Gospel!

To be mixed up in one’s thinking as it regards the Atonement, to not properly understand the Sacrifice of Christ, is a most serious matter. And please, even at the risk of being overly repetitious, please allow me to state the following, which will give a bare bones description of what the Cross actually means:

1. Every single thing that the Believer receives from the Lord, and without exception, comes through the Sacrifice of Christ. So, this means that the Believer should look exclusively to this which Christ has done, understanding that the Cross is the key to all things( Gal.6: 14).

2. Understanding that, the Believer must anchor his Faith in the Cross, the idea being, that the Cross should ever be the object of one’s Faith. Everything that we receive from the Lord is by Faith, but it is by Faith in what Christ did at the Cross. Everyone in the world has Faith of some kind, but it’s only Faith which is registered in the Cross of Christ, which will be honored by God. As well, whenever Paul mentions “Faith” in his writings, he is, and without exception, referring to Faith in the Finished Work of Christ. The Believer must understand that (Jn.3: 16). 3. With the Believer’s Faith properly placed, the Holy Spirit Who always works exclusively within the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ, will then be able to perform His Office work within the heart life of the Believer. The Holy Spirit abides in every Believer; however, for Him to do the things which only He can do, our Faith must be in the Cross (Rom.8:1- 2, 11, 13). To be sure, nothing will be done in the heart and life of the Believer, without the Holy Spirit carrying out this work. In other words, we cannot do these things ourselves, the Holy Spirit Alone being able to do so. But His Work is never automatic. He wants us to understand our inadequacy, thereby leaning on what Christ did at the Cross, trusting in that exclusively, and then He will work. Unfortunately, millions of Christians, although Spirit- filled, get very little help from the Holy Spirit, at least to the degree that they could receive, and it’s because their Faith is in something else other than the Cross.

.....Departing From The Living God....

The phrase,“ In departing from the Living God,” presents the following facts: As the Jews of old were in the wilderness, we presently are in the wilderness of this world. This same principle is shown under all dispensations, and in all circumstances; and there is no less danger of it under the Gospel, than there was when the Fathers were conducted to the Promised Land. We too, are exposed to trials and temptations. We meet with many a deadly and mighty foe. We have hearts prone to apostasy and sin. And yet, we are seeking a land of promise — a land of rest. But at the same time, we are surrounded by the wonders of Almighty Power, and by the proofs of infinite benefits given to us by God. So, the same decision that the Israelites of old had to make, we have to make presently. It all comes down to “belief” or “unbelief!” Or as one might say, “Faith” or a “lack of Faith!” If our Faith is not in the Cross, we will have for ourselves serious circumstances. In fact, Faith cannot grow unless it is in the Cross, and when it is in the Cross as it ought to be, then Faith begins to grow exceedingly so, and because the Cross is the true object of Faith, in essence, Faith in the Word (Jn.1: 1, 14, 29). Unbelief causes a person to depart from the Living God.

Such begins in the heart, and it’s always centered up someway in a rejection of the Cross. It means that the heart of unbelief will manifest its evil in apostasy. The only way one can have“ an evil heart of unbelief,” is that this person has once believed, and now is turning away from God. And let the following be understood:

For Christians to repudiate their Apostle and High Priest, Christ Jesus, is an even more dangerous and deliberate revolt against the Living God than that of the Children of Israel against Moses, etc. This means that the NOTES apostasy of the Hebrew Christians would be against God’s Son, their only hope. It would be a complete abandonment of Faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ, a relapse from Christianity into Judaism, a turning of their backs on Christ, and a going back into their spiritual Egypt. It would not merely be a return to a position previously occupied, but a gesture of outright apostasy, a complete break with God. Judaism did provide some vague access to God, as perverted as it had become, but one turning their back upon Christ, would mean turning back from an irretrievable position, that is if they remained in that state. It would be the sin against Light, which is the greatest sin of all! This danger arises from an evil heart, at least this is its point of beginning. How? Why? As someone has well said,“ We do what we do, because we believe what we believe!” And what does that mean? Whatever a person believes, that’s what the person will do. As stated, all of this begins with doubts about the Cross.

There have been untold numbers of Christians who have quit living for God, simply because they didn’t know the Way of the Cross; therefore, they were unable to live the Christian life. They grew discouraged, and simply quit. That number is legend. We’re not speaking, however, of this group. We are speaking of those who have deliberately opted for something else other than the Cross. Even though I’m being repetitious, the foray of the Church into humanistic psychology is an example. For years I could not understand as to how men and women who claimed to know the Bible, could opt for this false science, which in reality is no science at all! However, once the Lord began to reveal to me the Word of the Cross, helping me to understand what the Cross actually means, and especially for the Child of God, then I began to see that this defection to humanistic psychology is more than it seems to be on the surface. It is actually a repudiation of the Cross, which is in effect a vote of“ no confidence!” As I’ve said repeatedly, there is no other conclusion which can be drawn. For men who claim to beSpirit- filled, and who claim to be Preachers of the Gospel, to opt for this humanistic way, means at the same time, that they have abandoned the Cross. Of course, they would strongly, even vehemently, deny such a position.

But considering that the two, the Cross and humanistic psychology are totally opposed to each other, no other conclusion can be drawn. To accept that world, one has to reject the world of Redemption, which is the Cross. The Message of the Cross is about to be heralded all over the world, and in a way that it’s never been heralded before. In other words, no one is going to have any excuse for not knowing. So, thefall- out from that will be, that the Cross will be and in fact is, the dividing line between the True Church and the apostate Church. In fact, it’s always been that way, but it’s going to be more pronounced now than ever. God’s purpose is for Believers to enter His Rest, yet it is God’s power alone that enables us to do such. And as well, that power, which comes exclusively from the Holy Spirit, is able to function only as we have proper Faith in the Cross of Christ( Rom.8:1- 2). God has placed responsibility upon men to believe. The condition to entering His rest is to believe in Him, and more particularly, what He did at the Cross on our behalf.

This means, that this work is of God and not of ourselves, but at the same time, we must appropriate it, and we must do so by Faith, and it must be Faith that’s placed in the Cross. A FURTHER WARNING To say that the persons to whom Paul is writing apparently had stopped short of embracing the true Christian Faith, but was only contemplating such, is to reject the tenor of the entirety of this Epistle, and especially the two Chapters, 3 and 4. As well, Verse 1 of this Chapter, is addressed to“ Holy Brethren, partakers of the Heavenly Calling.” The expression“ Brethren” in Scripture refers to those who are in Christ Jesus. Such terminology is never used of the unredeemed. We are brothers because we have been made one through the Cross. So, get it out of your mind, as many teach, that the Apostle is here speaking to those who had only considered Christ, and had really not accepted Him.

The evidence is so loaded in the other direction, that it’s really“ no contest.” Such interpretation is reading into this which isn’t there, and at the same time, plainly ignoring what is actually there. The upshot is, it is quite possible for a Believer to quit believing, thereby departing from the Living God. And if such is done, and that person remains in that condition of unbelief, the only conclusion that one can draw is that the person is eternally lost.

Exhort One Another Daily.......While It Is Today

We as Christians are to exhort each other daily, which means to warn each other about the possibility of the deceitfulness of sin. That is the purpose of this website. The day we cease to exhort, warn, encourage and edify, you will no longer see Spirit Journals online. That is why we write these long journals. I know some of these get lengthy, but our purpose is to make you go deep into the Word of God and study these things out for yourselves. We are only here to encourage and plant seeds. The Holy Ghost must do the rest. But if one soul who is struggling comes to our site and finds rest and the pathway to victory then all the time and effort here on earth will be worth it in eternity. We don't claim to have a market on the truth. But I do konw this. We preach CHRIST CRUCIFIED and that is the message you will get when you come to this site. If you're looking for a Purpose Driven Life seminar or 12 steps on how to confess a Mercedes into your garage - you found the wrong site! Neighbor, we're here to preach the Cross, lift up the Cross, point you to the Cross, preach Jesus saves, Jesus heals, Jesus baptizes in the Holy Ghost and Jesus is coming again! We're here to LIFE THE ONLY NAME UNDER HEAVEN WHEREBY MEN MUST BE SAVED to you for it is in that matchless name that eternal life is found for all, not just some, but ALL WHO WILL BELIEVE!

We are to take all of this to heart today, even as the Holy Spirit demands. This refers to the fact, that what we have“ today” is what we have. We cannot necessarily live on something that we had yesterday, or hopefully will have tomorrow. It is one’s Faith “today” that is counted! Sin is deceitful, and it hardens one, and we’re speaking here of the sin of unbelief, and it is unbelief in Christ, and what He did at the Cross on our behalf.

When we say "exhort," we mean that we "proclaims a constant frequency, and for a particular reason." “Exhort” in the Greek is “parakaleo,” and means“ to call aloud, to utter in a loud voice.” The idea is, that there be no doubt as to what is being said. This means that the Preacher should preach the Cross, and do so constantly. It means that Believers who aren’t Preachers, should as well,“ exhort one another daily,” as it refers to this all- important principle. We must consider, that we’re speaking here of the issues of life and death, of which there are nothing more important!

....While It Is Today

Neighbor, It is what we have today that counts, and not yesterday, or tomorrow. All of this of which the Holy Spirit speaks, is so important that it must be done today, and not put off until tomorrow. There is still time regarding today, but there may be no time after today. God is ready today to do great and mighty things for any and every Believer, who will truly trust Him. He is a“ today” God! God is speaking today, so we must answer today! Hear me preacher. Stop spousing your unbelief of things you don't understand and start proclaiming that God is ALIVE TODAY! God help us. To hear preachers get up and moan and groan about things they claim "ended" years ago, it would seem to me we'd need to pack up and go home. NEIGHBOR, THIS WRITER Isn't packing up and He isn't going home! This writer believes GOD can do ALL things today and IS doing those same things today! I'm not looking for cheap thrills or side shows but I know that ALL things are possible to those who believe! Our faith may waver sometimes and even fail, but I know Whom I have believed in and am persuaded that HE IS ABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is able to KEEP that which I've committed to HIM against that Day. Preachers, preach the cross. Preach faith in the Cross and you will see an end to the evil heart of unbelief in your listeners! Faith comes by HEARING and HEARING by the word of God.

Paul warns us that “Lest any of you be hardened,” proves against as we have already stated that it’s possible for a Christian to come to this state. It is unbelief that hardens the heart, and more particularly, unbelief as it regards the Cross. To turn it around, the Cross of Christ was the greatest example of humility the world has ever known. When one properly understands the Cross, thereby placing his Faith in the Cross, such a position automatically guarantees a deepening of humility. The very nature of the Cross demands that, which is carried along by our Faith as the Cross is made its object. When the Cross is replaced with something else, the humility automatically goes, and pride begins to take its terrible effect, which is the result of self-will. The point I’m making is, if the Cross of Christ is not understood, or if we forsake the Cross substituting something else, hardness toward God is the inevitable result, and for all the obvious reasons. God’s great plan of Redemption for sinners, and victory for the Saints, is the Cross.

To reject that plan in any fashion, is to reject all that God is, which makes it impossible for the Believer to escape a hardness of heart.

As we close this journal today, let me say a few brief words about the deceitfulness of sin. The phrase in this passage, “Through the deceitfulness of sin,” actually says “the deceitfulness of the sin,” which refers to a rejection of the Sacrifice of Christ. It is the sin of unbelief, i.e., “the sin of apostasy.”

1 Tim. 4:1-3
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

2 Tim. 4:1-3
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Tim. 3:1-8
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, [7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

The word “deceitfulness” is the translation of the Greek “apate” which refers to a trick, stratagem, or deceit rather than to the quality of deceitfulness. The idea is, that Believers must be warned against being hardened by a trick which their sin may play upon them. In other words, whatever it is the person is thinking as the Cross of Christ is abandoned, will not materialize. Satan is playing a trick upon the individual, in effect, lying to them! It is ironic, the word “today” as used here by the Holy Spirit through Paul, was very near its close, at least as it regarded the nation of Israel. In fact, this was God’s last prophetic message to His ancient people. Hebrews was written just before the Apostle’s violent death, and just as the Romans as God’s instruments of judgment were being prepared to march against Jerusalem.

That day of God’s patience then closed for Israel as a nation; but Grace reigned embracing both Jews and Gentiles, gathering out of them a people to the Messiah’s Name; and this action still continues. Please understand, that when Paul speaks here of the“ deceitfulness of sin,” he is speaking of a particular sin, and it is the sin of forsaking Christ as it regards His Cross. The Reader must understand, that it is not possible to know Christ, at least the Christ of Glory, unless one knows Him in the realm of His great Sacrifice. It must always be“ Jesus Christ and Him Crucified”( I Cor.2: 2). If we think of Jesus in any other manner, we are pure and simple, thinking of“ another Jesus”( II Cor.11: 4). This is“ the sin” of which Paul is speaking here! This means, and beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the Cross of Christ is the dividing line. And that presents itself as a fearful prospect, especially considering that the modern Church, has sunken into the greatest apostasy it's seen since the Reformation.

As God's patience closed for Israel as a nation, I ask you today - where is America in His patience today? How much longer before this nation which has turned away its heart in unbelief find itself in the same fate as Israel of old? How long until the modern church reaps judgment within its walls for its repugnant unbelief that it chokes on daily behind pulpits managed and run by false shepherds, prophets and teachers? God's mercy is deep and probably more so than any of us reading this journal. Our ways are not HIS ways and His grace ever endures the test of man's rebellion, ignorance and willful rejection of His love and promises.

This journal series concludes with me asking you a somber question today - are you saved? Do you have your faith anchored in Christ and what He did for us at the Cross? Are you walking DAILY in the light of His wonderful power and grace bestowed on us through the blood of His Sacrifice? If not, neighbor, TODAY, the HOLY SPIRIT pleads once more, REPENT, come back to Him, and hearken to His voice. Don't reject or draw back from Him as Israel of old did and perished in the wilderness. It's getting late and the apostasy will continue to get worse and worse. Evil men in these last days, many of them in preacher's garb carrying a Bible, will only seduce worse and worse and become more deceived and deceived. Keep your eyes on the Cross! Keep your eyes fixed on JESUS! Keep your hearts clear from the deceitfulness of sin! Keep your hearts clear from the deceitfulness of riches. KNOW THE TIME IS SHORT and it's getting closer each day to the rapture of the church. I pray you are right with God today and if not you can be in a second's time by just humbling yourself before Him and asking Him to cleanse your heart today of all impurity. Praise God, we love you today. That's why we write and we pray something here has struck a cord - whether it's been a cord that's made you mad or glad. The gospel always does one or the other. If you leave unmoved, we've not done too good a job articulating what the Lord has laid on our hearts! The failure is in us, not the message or the Lord! Be blessed today, keep your eyes on Jesus, watch for His coming, the Eastern skies are soon to unfold with His glory and beauty coming for the saints of God. Praise God.

1 John 3:11 (96 kb)

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This journal is part of a current six-sermon, ongoing series on the wilderness failures of Israel and their warnings to us today:

The Sin of Murmuring (Wilderness Part Two)

Can God Furnish A Table in the Wilderness Part One

Can God Furnish A Table in the Wilderness Part Two

The Generation of Unbelief

The Generation of Unbelief Part Two

From the Archives:

Samuel's Voice To Israel

Israel and the Mountain of Darkness

From the Archives:

Samuel's Voice To Israel

Israel and the Mountain of Darkness